Lizard Island

Chase the Highly Prized Marlin in Luxury on Lizard Island, QLD

The waters surrounding Lizard Island boast some of the most exciting fishing in the world. Black Marlin fishing season is from September to December. Each year fish weighing a massive 1,000 pounds are caught here.

Those in search of real escape continue to voyage to Lizard Island for a rare and remarkable reef experience…

Lizard Island is beautiful, natural and wild. It is also the most northern resort on the Great Barrier Reef, lying in languid waters 28km off Tropical North Queensland. The island covers over 1,000 hectares, with 24 white-sand beaches, a famous blue lagoon and a fabulous fringing reef.

The Resort comprises 40 luxurious suites for the select few guests who land on the island – your base from which to indulge in premium activities like game fishing for Black Marlin and diving the Great Barrier Reef.

On Lizard you’ll meet its most famous residents, the Monitors (after which the island is named), prolific birdlife and of course the marine species of the reefs, including dazzling tropical fish, 70-year-old giant clams and coral – all but a leisurely snorkel from the beach.

Accommodation

Oceanview Villas are set high on Sunset Ridge amongst native eucalyptus bushland. Providing filtered sea views over Anchor Bay or Sunset Beach, these Villas offer privacy and easy access to a string of secluded beaches. Each Villa has a private deck with with breathtaking ocean views. Inside, the décor of linen and blue hues offers a peaceful oasis surrounded by stunning coastal bushland. Other room types are available on Lizard Island

Fascination III

Lizard Island exclusively operates the luxury vessel, ‘Fascination III’. Fishing the Great Barrier Reef from your base at Lizard Island is the perfect combination of accessibility and comfort. The 51ft Riviera Platinum Model Fly Bridge Cruiser has a cruise speed of 20 knots and can take up to 10 passengers (including crew).

Fishing & Equipment

Craig Newbold, who is certainly more known as “Brutus” in far North QLD has been skippering Fascination III since 2006 & fishing as long as he can remember.

Previously working as a commercial fisherman, Brutus bought a wealth of knowledge & experience to Lizard Island.

Noel Smith, (who some refer to as the mayor of Lizard Island), has been working on the island for 12 years. The last 4 years as the deckhand on Fascination III. Noel’s eye for detail, strong work ethic and enthusiasm always leaves a strong impression on the anglers.

Fascination III is set up specifically for big game fishing. Just 40 minutes from Lizard Island and you are on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef , this is the best location in the world for catching a giant Black Marlin and it is not uncommon for them to weigh over 1000lb!

Generally the heavy tackle fishing is done anywhere from the outer ribbon reefs up to Hicks Reef. Depending on which reef you head to first, it can take from 45 minutes up to an hour to get out to the outer edge of the reefs.

Outer Reef Fishing – The outer reef fishing grounds can be reached in 50 minutes. The fish caught in this area include Mackerel, Tuna, Trevally, Mahi–mahi, Giant Dart, Sailfish and Black Marlin at certain times of the year. Fishing tackle of the highest quality is provided.

Inner Reef Fishing – A short boat ride takes you to the inner reef fishing grounds. This spectacular area is comprised of three reef systems, which are home to an amazing variety of fish including Mackerel, Queenfish, Trevally and other pelagic species.

Light Tackle Fishing is also very exciting and your days aboard ‘Fascination III’ can be tailored to suit your needs if you would like to include this as well. Many of the fish caught are of superb eating quality and can be prepared by the island’s chef. What a great way to end a magnificent day’s fishing!

Being based on Lizard Island is a huge advantage as it reduces travel time out to these reefs, compared to travelling from Port Douglas, Cairns or Cooktown for example. Lizard Island also has a fuel supply on the island, where other boats have to return to Cooktown to re-fuel.

Getting there

Lizard Island is located 240km north of Cairns and 28km off the coast of North Queensland.

Flights to Lizard Island depart from East Air Terminal in Cairns. All connecting Domestic flights require check-in one hour prior to departure and a minimum of two hours connection time for all International flights.

Luggage Restrictions

Passengers are restricted to one suitcase and one small carry-on item of hand luggage each; to a maximum of 25kg in total.

Cost:

Based on travel until 31st March 2018:

4 nights – $10, 750.00 per person (based on 2 anglers)

4 nights – $7,775.00 per person (based on 4 anglers)

Prices are valid for travel until 31 March 2018, but please note are subject to high/low season fluctuations, including:

Additional charge applies for high season accommodation on Lizard Island from 18 December 2017 – 7 January 2018.

Additional charge applies for high season charter of Fascination III if travelling between 1 September 2017 – 31 December 2017.

All dining & beverages including fine Australian wines, basic spirits and Champagne at Lizard Island’s Restaurant and Bar at meal times, as well as deluxe picnic hampers.

Use of non-motorised watersports & motorised dinghies hire

3 days private full day charter of Fascination III (1-4 guests)

The vessel is a 51ft Riviera Platinum, enclosed Flybridge Cruiser, has a cruise speed of 20 knots & can take up to 10 passengers (incl crew). Based at Lizard Island all year round. Please note dive, equipment and additional people over 4 incur additional charges.